Headblock for mortuary crypts



Feb; 8, 1927. 1, 17,144

J. C. BERGER HEADBLOCK FOR MORTUARY CRYP'IS Filed May 15 1926 PatentedFeb. 8, 1927.

HEADBLooK roR'MoRTo-ARYoBLYr'rs.

Application filed May 15,

The invention relates to mortuary crypts,

and more particularly to a special form of head block for suchcryptdesigned to be applied to the crypt and sealed in place, said blockbeing provided with means for introducing an antiseptic and preservativegas under pressure, whereby decomposition of the body within the cryptis prevented. The invention further relates to certain novel features ofthe crypt itself, designed to cooperate with said head block for thepreservation of the body within the crypt. In the drawings 2 Figure 1 isa perspective view of the closed and sealed crypt.- Figure 2 is a plansectional VlGW of the same.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view line '33, Figure'2. i Figure 4 isa detail sectional View on line 4-4 of Figure 2. i V I Figure 5 is anenlarged detail view. of a portion of Figure 2 showing means for theintroduction of an antiseptic gas into the crypt. g

In the drawing the reference numeral 10 denotes generally the concretewalls of the crypt, and the numeral 11 denotes the head block which islikewise preferably of Waterproof concrete. As shown, a slideway isprovided at the end of the crypt to receive the head block. thisslideway being formed by providing shoulders 12 in the side walls of thecrypt and providing strips 13, preferably of metal, at a distance fromthe shoulder equal to the width of the head block. The head block ispreferably-2 by 3 feet and about 4 or 5 inches thick. y

The crypt is provided with atrough or groove 14 at the lower portionthereof which is designed to receive a chemical capable of absorbing themoisture within the crypt. Calcium chloride or other hygroscopicmaterial may be employed for this purpose. The

coilin 15 is placed on the raised central porf tion of the crypt and thehead block placed in position. v v

- It is desirable to maintain an antiseptic atmosphere within the cryptin order to de-- stroy any bacteria which may be present, and to preventthe growth of decay organisms. For this purpose a gas inlet nozzle 16 isprovided WlllOll extends completely throughthe head block and into theinterior of theorypt. This nozzle is preferably controlled. by a 1926.Serial No. 109,291.

valve 17. In addition" a second nipple 18" extendsthrough the head blockand is provided with arubbe r tube or hose 19 which extends to the farend of the crypt, the nipple 18 being controlled by a valve 20 outsidethe crypt. The nipple 18 is preferably smaller than the nipple 16 and'isfor this purpose of testing the atmosphere within the crypt, the rubbertube being employedin order thatthe atmosphere at the far end of thecrypt maybe tested.

When the head block has been placed in position it is sealed. in placeto render the crypt air tight and to prevent removal of the head block,thereby assuring that the coiiin- 15and its contents will not be stolenor re moved. As shown, grooves 22 are formed in' the head block and inthe crypt, a passage 23 in the side wall of the crypt communicat- Thissubstance flows through any spaces ex isting between the head-block .andthe crypt and insures a substantially air tightiseal.

With the device described I am enabledto maintaina dry and antisepticatmosphere within the crypt. The antiseptic gas is introduced under apressure of 8'or' lO'pounds above atmospheric pressure in order toinsure its penetration into all portions of the interior of the crypt.This gas and the pres sure within the crypt maybe tested at any timethrough the hose 19, nipple 18 and valve.

20. If the pressure has dropped'below that which it is desired tomaintain additional gas may be suppliedgthrough the nipple 16.

This may be accomplishedby means of a gas pump 1 provided with a'suitable pressure gage? Y At the end of the crypt and beyond the cess tothe nipples16 and. 18.

If desired a screw eye 25 may be pro-vided toprovide for the attachmentof a dessicating-element.

What I claim is: I In a burial crypt having sealing grooves in thebodyfthereof, a head block having grooves cooperating with the groovesin the body of the'crypt to receive a self hardening sealing material,whereby the interior of said crypt isrendered completely gas-tight,

means "for admitting a preservative gas said testing means, ;Whereby acompletely through said head block under pressure, gas-tight cryptisprovidedcapable ofmainmeans for positively closing the. gas inlet,t-ainingan internal pressure greaterthan at- 10 other means extendingthrough the head mospherie for an indefinite period of time. 5 block fortesting the interior of the crypt to Intestimo-ny whereof I aflix mysignature. 1 determine gaseous and pressure conditions v V therein, andmeans for positively closing JOSEPH CARL BERGER.

